Limitation (Chieh)

Metaphors: Confused relations / Clarifying connections / Articulation

Social In order that its freedom of action may acquire significance, a network should operate under constraints that distinguish its activities from those of others. Limits should however be set upon limitation of this kind to prevent such discrimination from becoming unbearable to the network itself or to others.

Sub-conditions:

1. Faced with insurmountable limitations, the network should forego action until an appropriate opportunity arises for a forceful initiative. (Resulting in: Persistence).

2. When the moment for action arises, the network should not hesitate in seizing the opportunity. (Resulting in: Initial difficulty).

3. If the network acts only in its self-interests, it may easily fail to recognize the need for the limits and restraints without which it will make regrettable mistakes. (Resulting in: Waiting).

4. The network avoids waste of its resources, and may achieve success, through working with limitations rather than against them. (Resulting in: Vitality).

5. If a network in a position of influence first imposes limitations upon its own action, its achievements under these conditions constitute an example to others who will then accept similar restrictions more readily. (Resulting in: Initiative).

6. Although imposition of excessive limitations may prove unbearable to the network and to others, such ruthlessness applied to itself may under certain circumstances be the only means for the network to uphold its principles. (Resulting in: Essential quality).